Understanding women's hormones and the menstrual cycle

At some point during our lives most of us will suffer hormonal imbalance. This can be due to stress, poor diet, poor sleep, lack of exercise or many different reasons.

Understanding what your hormones do, may help you understand your symptoms.

So what are hormones ?

Hormones are like messengers in the body, produced by glands of the endocrine system, and they travel through the bloodstream to reach specific organs and tissues. Once they arrive, they latch onto receptors on cells, a bit like a lock and key, triggering different actions. These little messengers play a role in just about everything—growth, development, metabolism, mood, and even reproduction.

What’s interesting is that hormone levels aren’t random; they’re carefully regulated by a complex feedback loop between the brain, various glands, and organs like the liver. Hormones don’t work alone—they interact with one another, and the body constantly sends signals back to the brain to keep things balanced. But if your hormones fall out of balance or your body isn’t working quite right, it can really throw things off, and it might take a while to get back to feeling like yourself.

What is the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a monthly process with four main phases, each regulated by specific hormones. It starts with the menstrual phase (Days 1–5), where low levels of estrogen and progesterone prompt the uterus to shed its lining. Next is the follicular phase (Days 1–14), where FSH stimulates the ovaries to mature an egg, and rising estrogen helps thicken the uterine lining. Around Day 14, during the ovulation phase, a peak in estrogen triggers a surge in LH, releasing a mature egg. In the final luteal phase (Days 15–28), the corpus luteum forms and releases progesterone, which maintains the uterine lining. If fertilization doesn’t occur, progesterone drops, starting a new cycle. The cycle is coordinated by FSH, estrogen, LH, and progesterone, working together seamlessly.

Oestrogen

Oestrogen is an umbrella term, as there are actually three main types of oestrogens:

Oestrodial is the most potent type of oestrogen and is synthesized mainly by the ovaries. In men and postmenopausal women tiny amounts are made by fat cells.

Oestrone is weaker and is the more common type of oestrogen found in menopausal women. It is produced manufactured by the adrenal glands and fat cells

oestriol is made by the placenta and is the main type of oestrogen during pregnancy

What does oestrogen do?

Practically every cell throughout the body possesses oestrogen receptors, indicating that oestrogen can trigger responses in virtually all cells. Here are some functions where oestrogen plays a role

Reproductive health:    Oestrogen regulates the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and pregnancy. It supports the development of female reproductive organs and maintains their function.

Bone health: Oestrogen maintains bone density and strength by regulating the breakdown and formation of bone. reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Cardiovascular health: Oestrogen has protective effects on the cardiovascular system, including maintaining blood vessel elasticity and regulating blood pressure. It also acts as an antioxidant protecting the blood vessels from damage which could lead to atherosclerosis.

Brain health: Oestrogen influences cognitive function, mood, and memory. It plays a role in protecting against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

Skin health Oestrogen gives skin it youthful glow, by contributing to skin hydration, elasticity, and thickness, helping to maintain a youthful appearance. It also plays a role in collagen formation which gives skin its firm look. Collagen is also integral part of bone and joints.

Cholesterol levels: Oestrogen helps to regulate cholesterol levels in the blood, increasing the good HDL and Lowering LDL

Urogenital health: Oestrogen supports the health of the vaginal lining, reducing the risk of vaginal dryness and urinary tract infections.

Metabolism: Oestrogen can influence metabolism and body fat distribution, potentially affecting weight management. it does this by depositing fat into girly bits such as breast and buttocks.

Progesterone

Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and and is similar to oestrogen in that there are different types and the receptors to it are found all over the body.

It is a steroid hormone primarily produced by the ovaries in females, although smaller amounts are also synthesized in the adrenal glands. Just like oestrogen it has affects many parts of our health and wellbeing:

Menstrual cycle and pregnancy During your menstrual cycle, progesterone increases after ovulation, where it thickens and boosts blood flow to the uterine lining, getting it ready for a fertilized egg. If conception happens, progesterone sticks around to support the baby's early growth, where it acts like the bodyguard for your uterine lining, making sure it doesn't

shed. If conception doesn't occur then progesterone drops and you get your monthly bleed

Bone health Together with estrogen, it helps keep your bones sturdy. So, when progesterone levels dip, especially during menopause, it can lead to bone loss and even osteoporosis.

competes with androgens to keep them low. Elevated androgens are associated with male pattern hair growth and PCOS

Brain Health Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain. Low levels can be associated with anxiety, poor sleep and not coping well with stress. Some studies have shown it to aid memory, cognition and verbal memory. If you going through menopause and find you lose your thought process mid sentence this could be why. Fluctuations during the menstrual cycle have been associated with PMS

Androgens

These are the hormones responsible for masculinity. When androgens are unopposed they can lead to PCOS and problems with reproductive function. Women's androgen levels are between 5 & 10% of men's. Androgens are made in the ovaries and adrenals via precursor hormones such as DHEA.

• Androgens increase the sebum in our skin keeping it moist

• They increase body hair

• Increase hair loss from the head

• They increase memory and attention

• Increase libido

• Increase energy

• Build lean muscle mass

• Increase bone density

DHEA

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys. It's a precursor hormone, meaning it helps produce other important hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. DHEA plays a role in various bodily functions, such as:

• Hormone Balance: It’s a building block for the production of sex hormones (like estrogen and testosterone).

• Energy & Mood: It’s thought to help with energy levels, mood regulation, and stress response.

• Immune Function: DHEA may help strengthen the immune system and protect against illness.

• Aging: Levels of DHEA typically peak in early adulthood and decline with age, leading some to associate low DHEA levels with age-related conditions, though research on this link is still ongoing.

As we age, hormone levels typically decrease, and during perimenopause, fluctuations in androgen and estrogen levels can occur, while progesterone gradually declines. These hormonal imbalances can contribute to many perimenopausal symptoms. The situation can worsen with stress or suboptimal liver and gut health, potentially leading to long-term health consequences. Hence, I often characterize perimenopause as a health assessment period. Eventually, all hormone levels will decline, emphasizing the importance of preparing the body for future well-being. Addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalances often provides natural relief from symptoms.

If you feel this that you are suffering symptoms from an imbalance of hormones the book in with me

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